Jammu and Kashmir: The new face of development

Celine Kaya

Once marked by isolation, Jammu and Kashmir is now emerging as a hub of connectivity, tourism, and economic growth. Over the past decade, the region has witnessed a major push in infrastructure development, with new highways, railway networks, and tunnels improving access and mobility. This transformation is increasingly reflected in rising tourist footfall and expanding economic activity across the Union Territory.

Over ₹80,000 crore has been invested in infrastructure projects across Jammu and Kashmir since 2014, according to the Planning, Development, and Monitoring Department, aimed at reducing isolation and enhancing connectivity. Major projects, including the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which covers the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, were central to connecting the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network. Road infrastructure like the National Highway 44, Chenani – Nashri Tunnel, and Banihal – Qazigund Tunnel, and ongoing projects such as Zoji La and Zmorh tunnels have helped drive Jammu and Kashmir connectivity to the nation. The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) spans 272 km and is one of India’s most ambitious railway projects. The Chenab Rail Bridge stands at 359 metres above the river, making it the highest railway bridge in the world.

Government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have played a crucial role in strengthening rural connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. Over 10,500 km of rural roads and 1,486 bridges have been constructed, significantly improving access to remote villages and border areas. This enhanced connectivity has facilitated better access to healthcare, education, and markets, while also supporting local economic activity and integration of previously isolated regions.

The rise of infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir has significantly influenced tourism, employment, trade, and economic activity across the region, involving remote rural districts. Tunnels, highways, rail, and roads have helped drive connectivity, which has boosted tourism, with official data showing 2.36 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, marking one of the highest tourist footfalls in the region’s history. Tourism has helped boost employment opportunities among many locals, like hotel workers, transport operators, craftsmen, small business owners, vendors, and tour guides. Highway projects helped reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar. Improved connectivity has strengthened access to trade and exports, primarily in agriculture and handicrafts products, including Kashmiri apples and saffrons, seeing export growth of nearly 15 to 20 percent annually due to improved logistics and transport networks. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has connected thousands of previously isolated villages, enabling the growth of small businesses, tourism services, and local markets in districts such as Kupwara, Doda, and Ramban.

Jammu and Kashmir’s development momentum is expected to continue with large-scale infrastructure projects shaping its future growth. The 14-km Zoji La Tunnel and the Z-Morh Tunnel are set to ensure all-weather connectivity, while the 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link will further integrate the region with the national railway network. Continued expansion under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is expected to enhance rural connectivity beyond the existing 10,500 km of roads.

Tourism is also projected to remain a key growth driver, following a record 2.36 crore visitors in 2024, with plans to develop new destinations and improve tourism infrastructure. At the same time, improved logistics and connectivity are expected to support sustained export growth in agriculture and handicrafts.

Taken together, these developments reflect a broader transformation, positioning Jammu and Kashmir not only as a growing economic region but as a key contributor to India’s evolving development narrative.